Historic McKinney Farmers Market Starts Weekly on April 5

Winter is officially ending this Saturday, March 15 at the last winter Farmers Market at Chestnut Square.

"This has been a long winter for everyone ... especially the farmers," said Cindy Johnson, Executive Director of Chestnut Square and Market Manager. "We'd like to invite everyone out in the 70 degree weather this Saturday to officially bid the winter goodbye!"

In addition to meat, eggs, honey, olive oil, baked goods, pastas, tamales and more, the farmers will have early crops such as greens. Bud Rager, the singin' son of a gun will be entertaining the crowd and the newly re-stocked and re-modeled Dixie Store will be open for shopping.

"Come on out and enjoy a bottomless cup of coffee and shop for local goodies," Johnson said. "Then everyone go home and pray for rain so that we can have a great 2014 season."

Texas' #1 Market Opens the 2014 Season on April 5

Weekly markets at Chestnut Square and Adriatica will begin on Saturday, April 5 and Thursday April 10. The same vendors that helped make The Historic McKinney Farmers Market the #1 market in Texas will return along with these new vendors:

The market grand opening at Chestnut Square will feature the local McKinney Chipotle Restaurant handing out "Farmers Market Bucks" at the north market entrance.

"The first 300 customers will receive $5 in Farmers Market Bucks to spend at the market." Johnson said. "This is Chipotle's way of supporting local farmers and the community. We feel so lucky to be chosen for this program."

Creative by Nature will hold container gardening demonstrations at their booth at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Their demonstration, "Filler, Thriller and Spiller Container Gardening" is sure to spark excitement in local backyards!

Bud Rager, our very own singing Son of Gun, will perform on the porch of the Two Bit Taylor Inn all morning.

Chester the Cat, our official Chestnut Square ambassador, will offer book readings (his book, Chester of Chestnut Square, of course!) in the schoolhouse at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

"Chester is SO excited about the market opening. He's missed all of his market friends," L.C. Tobey, Chester's manager said. "Please be sure to 'like' him on his Facebook page and let him know that you're coming to the market!"

New in 2014 — The Historic McKinney Farmers Market Will Accept SNAP

A Texas Department of Agriculture grant and proceeds from the 2013 Farm to Table Dinner sponsored by Rick's Chophouse will allow The Historic McKinney Farmers Market to accept SNAP during the 2014 season. EBT cards will be accepted in Dixie's Store for tokens that can be redeemed at participating vendor booths.

"This is a great opportunity to expand our customer base and include everyone in our healthy, local market." Johnson said.